Three-strand Shell Hieshe Necklace [SOLD]

Kewa (formerly Santo Domingo) Pueblo artisans have been known for decades for the fine hieshe necklaces they produce. It is a style they have made for their own use for a thousand or more years, long before they started into silverwork. Hieshe is made from sea shells.  The shells are first cut into small square sections, drilled in the center, strung on wire or string, then sanded by hand, in an up and down stroke, until each one is round.  That sounds easy but is not.  It is important to exert the same pressure on every stroke to achieve hieshe of the same diameter when finished.

This necklace is comprised of three strands of shell hieshe with small sections of shell and turquoise interspersed throughout.  The strands on this three-strand shell hieshe necklace are secured with egraved silver cones and hooks (see image below and large detail image).

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: from the collection of a Santa Fe family

Recommended Reading:  Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest by Sarah Peabody and William A. Turnbaugh.